1 killed, 13 injured in cylinder blast in Chembur

MUMBAI: A man died and 13 others suffered burns in a cylinder explosion at Sandeep Colony on PL Lokhande Marg in Chembur on Monday. Mahesh Jagtap's (31) mezzanine floor house was completely ripped off in the incident that occurred around 6.40am. While Jagtap was killed, four of his family members were injured, the police said.

The injured—four men and nine women—are getting treated at Rajawadi and Sion hospitals for burns and fractures they suffered. According to the police, the incident occurred after gas leaked the entire night in Jagtap's house. The explosion occurred when someone from his family tried to switch on the light or either strike a match stick. "According to statements from people of the locality, the incident occurred due to gas leakage from the deceased's mezzanine house in a chawl," said DCP (Zone Vl) Sangramsinh Nishandar.

"We knocked on every door after the gas smell got stronger. Jagtap's house was closed as it seems he and his family members were sleeping. Before we could knock his door, the blast occurred," said a neighbour.

"Jagtap has rented the upper portion of the house to a family of six. All six fell down and suffered injuries," said another neighbour. Jagtap's mother Rukmini and wife Jyotsna suffered 60% and 40% burns respectively.